Character input device, character input method, and character input program

Abstract

To conduct a test that can appropriately check the understanding of a user without reducing the efficiency of learning and report preparation.SOLUTION: An extraction unit extracts candidates corresponding to an input character string including prediction candidates. A control vocabulary storage unit stores control vocabularies to be learned with teaching materials. A determination unit determines whether a use mode is a first mode or a second mode. An output control unit outputs the candidates in order according to priority. When the use mode is the first mode, the output control unit excludes the control vocabularies extracted as the prediction candidates from the candidates to be output. When the use mode is the second mode, the output control unit raises the priority of the control vocabularies extracted by the extraction unit as the prediction candidates in the candidates to be output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for assisting users in learning from digital learning materials and in inputting characters in tests to check the level of understanding of the learning materials. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, many digital teaching materials have been known for improving the knowledge, abilities, etc. of users (learners). Patent Document 1 describes a system in which users answer questions using a tablet-type mobile information terminal or a stationary personal computer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-59973 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, when a test to check a user's level of understanding is performed using the character conversion function of the device (tablet or personal computer) used by the user, the correct answer to the test question may be displayed (output) as a predictive conversion candidate, making it impossible to properly check the user's level of understanding.

[0005] As is well known, predictive conversion is a function that improves the convenience of character input operations for users. In other words, if predictive conversion candidates are not output during study or report writing, users cannot study or write reports efficiently.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for conducting a test that can properly confirm a user's level of understanding without reducing the efficiency of learning and report writing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the character input device of the present invention has the following configuration.

[0008] The extraction unit extracts candidates corresponding to the input character string, including predicted candidates predicted based on the input character string. The predicted candidates referred to here are candidates that prefix-match but do not exactly match the input character string currently being input. Also, here, candidates that exactly match the input character string currently being input are referred to as normal candidates.

[0009] The output control unit outputs the candidates extracted by the extraction unit in an order according to the priority, for example, in descending order of priority.

[0010] The control vocabulary storage unit stores the control vocabulary to be learned in the teaching material.

[0011] The determination unit determines whether the usage mode is a first mode or a second mode. Then, when the usage mode is the first mode, the output control unit excludes the controlled vocabulary extracted as a predicted candidate from the candidates to be output. Furthermore, when the usage mode is the second mode, the output control unit increases the priority of the controlled vocabulary extracted as a predicted candidate by the extraction unit among the candidates to be output.

[0012] In this configuration, for example, a usage mode aimed at checking the user's level of understanding (for example, a usage mode for administering a test to the user) is set as the first mode, and a usage mode aimed at ensuring the convenience of the user's character input operation (for example, a usage mode for the user to study or write a report) is set as the second mode. This allows for a test that can properly check the user's level of understanding without reducing the efficiency of the user's study or report writing.

[0013] Furthermore, for example, by configuring the system to additionally include a communication unit that receives input character strings and transmits predicted candidates, it becomes possible to connect to multiple terminals via a network. In other words, services such as learning with digital learning materials, writing reports, and taking tests to confirm comprehension can be provided to many users via the network.

[0014] Furthermore, for example, when the usage mode is the first mode, a grading unit that grades the input answers may be additionally provided. With this configuration, grading of the test to check the user's level of understanding can be performed without requiring human labor.

[0015] Furthermore, the character control unit may be configured to calculate weights according to the types of controlled vocabulary and determine the priorities of the controlled vocabulary extracted by the extraction unit as predictive candidates by taking the weights into account. With this configuration, the display order of predictive candidates when a user studies can be determined according to the actual learning environment (subject, language, etc.). [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, a test can be conducted that can properly check the user's level of understanding without reducing the efficiency of learning and report writing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a network system that uses this example of digital teaching materials. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the server device of this example. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the user terminal in this example. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an image of the display of the user terminal in this example during testing. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an image diagram of the display of the user terminal in this example during learning. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process for generating the controlled vocabulary in this example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in which the server device in this example generates and outputs conversion candidates. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the test mode of the user terminal in this example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the user terminal in this example in learning mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to several figures.

[0019] <1. Application Examples> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a network system that uses digital teaching materials. As shown in Figure 1, this network system has a configuration in which multiple user terminals 30 are connected to a server device 10 via a network 20. The server device 10 can communicate data with the user terminals 30 connected via the network 20.

[0020] The user terminal 30 is a personal computer or tablet terminal operated by a user. The server device 10 distributes to the user terminal 30 digital learning materials used by the user for study, assignments (themes) for reports to be submitted by the user, test questions to be answered by the user, etc. The user terminal 30 displays the contents of the digital learning materials, report assignments, test questions, etc. distributed from the server device 10 on the screen of a display device. The user also performs an operation to input characters on the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 cooperates with the server device 10 to perform character input processing in accordance with the user's input operation.

[0021] As is well known, character input can be performed in two ways, depending on the type of language: one is to have the user input the phonetic notation of a word to be input as a character string (desired character string), and the other is to have the user input the spelling of a word to be input as a character string. For example, Japanese and Chinese are language types that use a method in which the user inputs the phonetic notation (reading (kana), pinyin) of a word to be input as a character string. Also, for example, English and German are language types that use a method in which the user inputs the spelling of a word to be input as a character string. In this example, a case where the language type is Japanese will be described as an example.

[0022] In this example, predictive conversion candidates and normal conversion candidates are collectively referred to as conversion candidates (corresponding to candidates in this invention). Predictive conversion candidates (corresponding to predicted candidates in this invention) are conversion candidates whose readings match the input string prefix-wise but do not match exactly. Normal conversion candidates are conversion candidates whose readings match the input string exactly.

[0023] The user terminal 30 transmits reports created by the user, the user's answers to the test questions, etc. to the server device 10. The server device 10 grades the user's answers to the test questions.

[0024] The input character string referred to here may be any number of characters as long as it is one or more characters.

[0025] In this example, the character input device according to the present invention is applied to a server device 10 .

[0026] (Controlled Vocabulary Generation) The server device 10 analyzes textbooks, test questions, and answers to the test questions (hereinafter collectively referred to as text data) prepared by creators of questions and assignments. More specifically, the server device 10 performs morphological analysis of the text data and extracts vocabulary by parts of speech such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives. The server device 10 stores, from the extracted vocabulary, vocabulary related to the questions and assignments as controlled vocabulary in a controlled vocabulary database. The morphological analysis performed by the server device 10 is a known process, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0027] Note that the server device 10 may store the controlled vocabulary in the controlled vocabulary database when the text data is registered, or may store the controlled vocabulary in the controlled vocabulary database when digital teaching materials, report assignments, test questions, etc. are distributed (in real time) to the user terminal 30. The server device 10 may also store the controlled vocabulary in the controlled vocabulary database at a timing other than the above.

[0028] For example, the server device 10 stores "carbon dioxide," "photosynthesis," "iodine solution," "glucose," and the like extracted from text data related to "photosynthesis" of living organisms as controlled vocabulary in the controlled vocabulary database.

[0029] (When users answer test questions) The server device 10 distributes test questions to the user terminal 30 via the network 20. Here, an example will be described in which the server device 10 distributes biology test questions to the user terminal 30. The usage mode in which the user answers the test questions is called the test mode, and this test mode corresponds to the first mode in this invention.

[0030] When distributing test questions to the user terminal 30, the server device 10 sets the usage mode to test mode. When the server device 10 receives an input character string from the user terminal 30, it outputs (transmits) conversion candidates corresponding to the input character string to the user terminal 30. The server device 10 extracts normal conversion candidates and predictive conversion candidates corresponding to the input character string. The server device 10 excludes controlled vocabulary from the extracted predictive conversion candidates. The server device 10 outputs the normal conversion candidates and the predictive conversion candidates excluding the controlled vocabulary to the user terminal 30. Therefore, when the server device 10 is in test mode, controlled vocabulary related to the correct answer to the test question is not output to the user terminal 30 as a predictive conversion candidate. However, controlled vocabulary related to the correct answer to the test question is output to the user terminal 30 if it is a normal conversion candidate even when the server device 10 is in test mode.

[0031] Here, a specific description will be given assuming that the user thinks that the answer to the test question displayed on the user terminal 30 is "carbon dioxide."

[0032] The user operates the user terminal 30 to input the reading of "carbon dioxide" that they think is the answer. Specifically, the user operates the user terminal 30 to input "ni", "sa", "n", "ka", "ta", "n", and "so" in this order.

[0033] Each time a character is input by the user, the user terminal 30 transmits the character string being input at that time to the server device 10 as an input character string. For example, when the user inputs "ni" through an input operation, the user terminal 30 transmits "ni" as an input character string to the server device 10. Subsequently, when the user inputs "sa" through an input operation, the user terminal 30 transmits "nisa" as an input character string to the server device 10. Furthermore, when the user inputs "n" through an input operation, the user terminal 30 transmits "nisan" as an input character string to the server device 10. Thereafter, each time the user inputs one character ("ka", "ta", "n", "so") through an input operation, the user terminal 30 similarly transmits the character string being input at that time to the server device 10 as an input character string.

[0034] Each time the server device 10 receives an input character string from the user terminal 30, it extracts conversion candidates corresponding to the input character string. As described above, the conversion candidates include normal conversion candidates and predictive conversion candidates. Since the server device 10 is in test mode, it excludes controlled vocabulary words from the predictive conversion candidates. The server device 10 outputs the normal conversion candidates and the predictive conversion candidates excluding the controlled vocabulary words to the user terminal 30 as conversion candidates.

[0035] For example, when the input character string received from the user terminal 30 is "nisanka," the server device 10 extracts "dioxide," "nisanka," "join," "nisanka," "nisanka," etc. as normal conversion candidates, and extracts "carbon dioxide," "manganese dioxide," "nitrogen dioxide," "titanium dioxide," etc. as predictive conversion candidates. "Carbon dioxide" and "nitrogen dioxide" are stored in the controlled vocabulary database as controlled vocabulary words. The server device 10 excludes "carbon dioxide" and "nitrogen dioxide," which are controlled vocabulary words, from the extracted predictive conversion candidates. The server device 10 transmits the normal conversion candidates "dioxide," "nisanka," "join," "nisanka," and "nisanka," as well as the predictive conversion candidates excluding the controlled vocabulary, "manganese dioxide" and "titanium dioxide," as conversion candidates to the user terminal 30.

[0036] Furthermore, when the input character string received from the user terminal 30 is "nisan ka tanso," the server device 10 extracts "carbon dioxide," "nioxid carbon," "nisan ka tanso," "nisankatanso," etc. as normal conversion candidates. Although "carbon dioxide" is stored as a controlled vocabulary in the controlled vocabulary database, the server device 10 has extracted "carbon dioxide" as a normal candidate, and therefore transmits "carbon dioxide," "nioxid carbon," "nisan ka tanso," "nisankatanso," etc. as conversion candidates to the user terminal 30. At this time, if the server device 10 has extracted predictive conversion candidates, it transmits the extracted predictive conversion candidates that are not controlled vocabulary words to the user terminal 30, including the conversion candidates.

[0037] The user operates the user terminal 30 to select "carbon dioxide", which the user believes to be the answer to the test question, from the conversion candidates. The user then confirms that the answer to the test question is "carbon dioxide". The user also operates the user terminal 30 to send the confirmed answer to the test question to the server device 10.

[0038] Note that even if the user has already confirmed the answer to a test question, the user can correct the answer before sending it to the server device 10. Specifically, the user deletes the character string (for example, "carbon dioxide") from the answer field, and then, as described above, inputs the reading of the vocabulary that the user believes to be the answer to the test question.

[0039] When the server device 10 receives the answers to the test questions from the user terminal 30, it determines whether the answers are correct or incorrect and grades them.

[0040] In addition, if the test has multiple questions, the user terminal 30 may be configured to send the answer to the server device 10 for each test question, or may be configured to send the answers to multiple test questions to the server device 10 all at once.

[0041] In this way, when the server device 10 has the user answer a test question, the server device 10 does not present the correct answer to the test question or properly related vocabulary as predictive conversion candidates to the user operating the user terminal 30. Therefore, a test can be conducted that can properly confirm the user's level of understanding.

[0042] (When having users learn) The server device 10 distributes digital teaching materials, report assignments, etc. to the user terminal 30 via the network 20. The server device 10 distributes, for example, digital teaching materials for biology, report assignments, etc. to the user terminal 30. Here, the usage mode that allows the user to study is called a study mode, and this study mode corresponds to the second mode referred to in this invention.

[0043] When distributing digital learning materials, report assignments, etc. to the user terminal 30, the server device 10 sets the usage mode to the learning mode. When the server device 10 receives an input character string from the user terminal 30, it outputs (transmits) conversion candidates corresponding to the input character string to the user terminal 30. At this time, unlike the above-mentioned test mode, the server device 10 set to the learning mode does not exclude controlled vocabulary from the predictive conversion candidates corresponding to the input character string. The server device 10 set to the learning mode increases the priority of controlled vocabulary.

[0044] For example, when the input character string received from the user terminal 30 is "nisanka," the server device 10 in the learning mode extracts "dioxide," "nisanka," "join," "nisanka," "nisanka," etc. as normal conversion candidates, and extracts "carbon dioxide," "manganese dioxide," "nitrogen dioxide," "titanium dioxide," etc. as predictive conversion candidates. Although "carbon dioxide" and "nitrogen dioxide" are stored as controlled vocabulary in the controlled vocabulary database, the server device 10 does not exclude "carbon dioxide" and "nitrogen dioxide," which are controlled vocabulary, from the extracted predictive conversion candidates. The server device 10 increases the priority of "carbon dioxide" and "nitrogen dioxide," which are controlled vocabulary. .sa The server device 10 arranges the conversion candidates in order of priority and transmits them to the user terminal 30.

[0045] The user operates the user terminal 30 to select a desired vocabulary from the displayed conversion candidates.

[0046] With this configuration, when the server device 10 is having the user study, it can display character strings included in the controlled vocabulary at the top of conversion candidates on the user terminal 30. This allows the user to efficiently input characters when studying or writing reports. In other words, the efficiency of studying or writing reports is not reduced.

[0047] Furthermore, since the user does not need to manually switch between usage modes, convenience is not reduced.

[0048] <2.Configuration example> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the server device in this example. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the user terminal in this example. Figs. 4 and 5 are conceptual diagrams of the display of the user terminal in this example.

[0049] A more specific configuration example will be explained using the schematic diagram of the network system using the digital teaching materials shown in FIG. 1 and the block diagrams shown in FIGS.

[0050] First, the configuration of the server device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The server device 10 includes a control unit 110, a control vocabulary database 120 (control vocabulary DB 120), a dictionary database 130 (dictionary DB 130), and a communication unit 140.

[0051] (Control unit configuration) The control unit 110 controls each part of the main body of the server device 10. The control unit 110 includes a determination unit 110a, a character string acquisition unit 110b, a control information analysis unit 110c, a control vocabulary storage unit 110d, a candidate extraction unit 110e, a character control unit 110f, and a scoring unit 110g.

[0052] (Controlled vocabulary database configuration) The controlled vocabulary database 120 is a database that associates and registers the readings (kana notation), parts of speech, converted character strings (kana-kanji notation), etc. that are the results of analyzing textbooks and test questions prepared by the creators of questions and tasks, as well as answers to the test questions (text data). More specifically, it performs a morphological analysis of the text data and stores vocabulary related to the questions and tasks extracted from this text data. The vocabulary stored in the controlled vocabulary database 120 is the controlled vocabulary. The controlled vocabulary database 120 corresponds to the controlled vocabulary storage unit referred to in this invention.

[0053] The controlled vocabulary may be generated when text data is registered in the server device 10, or may be generated in real time when a test or assignment is distributed using text data related to the distributed test or assignment. Note that the morphological analysis in the server device 10 is well known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] The controlled vocabulary database 120 may be configured to store controlled vocabulary by categorizing it by level of problem or task (e.g., elementary school, junior high school, university) or subject (Japanese, science, social studies). Such a configuration makes it possible to generate an index for searching the controlled vocabulary database 120. Therefore, it is possible to construct a controlled vocabulary database 120 that allows for efficient searches of controlled vocabulary. Furthermore, by adding categories such as the rate of correct answers on a test or character strings that are easily mistaken, it is possible to provide a configuration for determining actual learning and comprehension.

[0055] It is advisable to set a value (e.g., a flag) that identifies this category classification in the controlled vocabulary, which can improve the search speed when searching the controlled vocabulary database 120 and also facilitate complex searches such as when a problem or issue spans multiple categories.

[0056] For example, the server device 10 generates a controlled vocabulary from text data related to "photosynthesis" of living organisms. This controlled vocabulary includes, for example, "carbon dioxide," "photosynthesis," "iodine solution," and "glucose."

[0057] (Dictionary database configuration) The dictionary database 130 is a database in which readings (kana notation), parts of speech, converted character strings (kana-kanji notation), etc. are registered in association with each other. The communication unit 140 performs data communication with the user terminal 30 connected via the network 20.

[0058] The controlled vocabulary database 120 and the dictionary database 130 may be, for example, a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), or may be other storage media. Furthermore, the controlled vocabulary database 120 and the dictionary database 130 may be configured as a single storage medium with divided storage areas.

[0059] (Detailed configuration of the control unit) The determination unit 110a determines whether the current usage mode is a test mode in which the user answers test questions, or a study mode in which the user studies. For example, the determination unit 110a sets a control flag on or off depending on the usage mode, and determines the usage mode based on the state of the control flag.

[0060] The character string acquiring unit 110b acquires an input character string received from the user terminal 30. The character string acquiring unit 110b outputs the input character string to the control information analyzing unit 110c. In this example, the input character string is the reading of a word.

[0061] The control information analysis unit 110c performs a morphological analysis of textbooks, test questions, and answers to the test questions (text data) prepared by the creators of the questions and tasks. The controlled vocabulary storage unit 110d extracts vocabulary related to the test questions and tasks as controlled vocabulary from the results of the morphological analysis performed by the control information analysis unit 110c (vocabulary extracted from the text data), and stores the controlled vocabulary in the controlled vocabulary database 120.

[0062] The candidate extraction unit 110e uses the input character string to search the dictionary database 130. More specifically, the candidate extraction unit 110e searches the dictionary database 130 using the input character string as a key, and extracts conversion candidates (normal conversion candidates and predictive conversion candidates). The candidate extraction unit 110e outputs the conversion candidates to the character control unit 110f.

[0063] The character control unit 110f refers to the controlled vocabulary stored in the controlled vocabulary database 120 and acquires the controlled vocabulary from the extracted conversion candidates. When the usage mode is the test mode, the character control unit 110f excludes, from the conversion candidates, controlled vocabulary words acquired from the conversion candidates and extracted as predictive conversion candidates. The character control unit 110f outputs the conversion candidates excluding the controlled vocabulary words extracted as predictive conversion candidates to the communication unit 140. This character control unit 110f corresponds to the output control unit referred to in this invention.

[0064] Furthermore, when the usage mode is the learning mode, the character control unit 110f increases the display priority of the controlled vocabulary acquired from the conversion candidates. At this time, the character control unit 110f increases the display priority of the controlled vocabulary, regardless of whether the controlled vocabulary is extracted as a normal conversion candidate or as a predictive conversion candidate. The character control unit 110f outputs the conversion candidate to the communication unit 140.

[0065] When the usage mode is the test mode, the marking unit 110g marks the answers to the test questions received from the user terminal 30, including whether they are correct or incorrect.

[0066] The control unit 110 of the server device 10 is composed of a hardware CPU, memory, and other electronic circuits. When the hardware CPU executes the character input program according to the present invention, it operates as a determination unit 110a, a character string acquisition unit 110b, a control information analysis unit 110c, a control vocabulary storage unit 110d, a candidate extraction unit 110e, a character control unit 110f, and a scoring unit 110g. The memory also has an area for expanding the character input program according to the present invention and an area for temporarily storing data generated when the character input program is executed. The control unit 110 may be an LSI (large scale integrated circuit) that integrates the hardware CPU, memory, and the like. The hardware CPU is also a computer that executes the character input method according to the present invention.

[0067] Next, the configuration of the user terminal 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The user terminal 30 includes a control unit 310, a display unit 320, an operation unit 330, and a communication unit 340. The user terminal 30 is a general personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0068] The control unit 310 controls the operation of each unit of the main body of the user terminal 30 .

[0069] The display unit 320 displays a screen according to the state of the user terminal 30 itself. The operation unit 330 has input devices such as a mouse, a keyboard (which may be a hardware keyboard or a software keyboard), a touch panel, etc. The operation unit 330 accepts input operations by the user to the user terminal 30. The communication unit 340 performs data communication with the server device 10 connected via the network 20.

[0070] The control unit 310 of the user terminal 30 is configured by a hardware CPU, memory, and other electronic circuits. The control unit 310 may also be a CPU (integrated circuit) that integrates the hardware CPU, memory, and the like.

[0071] An image of the processing performed by the user terminal 30 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 shows an image of a user inputting answers to test questions displayed on the display 320a of the user terminal 30. The usage mode at this time is the test mode.

[0072] The user terminal 30 displays the test questions distributed from the server device 10 on the display 320a. In Fig. 4, a tablet terminal is shown as the user terminal 30. In this example, the operation unit 330 is a software keyboard. The controlled vocabulary database 120 stores controlled vocabulary.

[0073] The test questions displayed on display 320a are provided with input units 321 and 322. These input units 321 and 322 are answer spaces for the test questions, and the content, size, and number of inputs accepted change depending on the questions distributed from server device 10.

[0074] 4 shows a state in which the user has input "nisanka" into the input unit 321. The communication unit 340 of the user terminal 30 transmits "nisanka" input by the user to the communication unit 140 of the server device 10 as an input character string.

[0075] The character string acquisition unit 110b receives the input character string "nisanka" and outputs the input character string "nisanka" to the candidate extraction unit 110e. The candidate extraction unit 110e searches the dictionary database 130 using the input character string "nisanka" as a key and extracts conversion candidates (normal conversion candidates and predictive conversion candidates). The candidate extraction unit 110e extracts, for example, "dioxide," "nisanka," "join," "nisanka," "nisanka," etc. as normal conversion candidates, and "carbon dioxide," "manganese dioxide," "nitrogen dioxide," "titanium dioxide," etc. as predictive conversion candidates. The candidate extraction unit 110e outputs the conversion candidates to the character control unit 110f.

[0076] The character control unit 110f compares the controlled vocabulary searched from the controlled vocabulary database 120 with the predictive conversion candidates. The controlled vocabulary is, for example, "dioxide," "carbon dioxide," and "nitrogen dioxide." Because the usage mode is the test mode, the character control unit 110f excludes the controlled vocabulary from the predictive conversion candidates. As a result, the character control unit 110f outputs "dioxide," "two-three ka," "join," "nisanka," "nisanka," "manganese dioxide," "titanium dioxide," and the like to the communication unit 140 as conversion candidates.

[0077] Although the controlled vocabulary database 120 stores "dioxide" as a controlled vocabulary word, "dioxide" is extracted as a normal conversion candidate, and therefore the character control unit 110f does not exclude "dioxide" from the conversion candidates to be output.

[0078] The communication unit 140 of the server device 10 transmits conversion candidates (such as "dioxide," "two or three ka," "join," "nisanka," "nisanka," "manganese dioxide," and "titanium dioxide") to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 receives the conversion candidates at the communication unit 340.

[0079] The control unit 310 of the user terminal 30 displays the received conversion candidates on the display 320a. Among the displayed conversion candidates, there is no "carbon dioxide," which the user thought was the answer to the test question. The user inputs additional characters into the input unit 321. When the user inputs "nisan ka tanso" into the input unit 321, the server device 10 performs the above-mentioned process and transmits "carbon dioxide," "tanso dioxide," "nisan ka tanso," "join tanso," "nisan ka tanso," "nisan katanso," and the like to the user terminal 30 as conversion candidates.

[0080] "Carbon dioxide," which the user believes to be the answer to the test question, is displayed as a conversion candidate on the display 320a. The user confirms the answer to the test question by selecting "carbon dioxide," which the user believes to be the answer to the test question.

[0081] When the user terminal 30 receives an input operation to transmit the answer to the test question, the user terminal 30 transmits the answer to the test question to the server device 10.

[0082] When the server device 10 receives the answers to the test questions from the user terminal 30, it inputs the received answers to the marking unit 110g.

[0083] The marking unit 110g marks each user terminal 30 (that is, each user) to determine whether the answers to the test questions received from that user terminal 30 are correct or incorrect.

[0084] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a case where the usage mode is the learning mode will be described.

[0085] The user terminal 30 displays the assignment distributed from the server device 10 on the display 320b. In the example shown in Fig. 5, similar to Fig. 4, the user terminal 30 is a tablet terminal and the operation unit 330 is a software keyboard. The controlled vocabulary database 120 stores controlled vocabulary.

[0086] The task displayed on display 320b includes input section 323. This input section 323 changes the content, size, and number of inputs it accepts depending on the content of the task distributed from server device 10.

[0087] 5 shows a state in which the user has input "nisanka" into the input unit 323. The communication unit 340 of the user terminal 30 transmits "nisanka" input by the user to the communication unit 140 of the server device 10 as an input character string.

[0088] The character string obtaining unit 110b of the server device 10 receives the input character string "nisanka." The character string obtaining unit 110b outputs the input character string "nisanka" to the candidate extracting unit 110e.

[0089] The candidate extraction unit 110e searches the dictionary database 130 using the character string "nisanka" as a key to extract conversion candidates. The candidate extraction unit 110e outputs the conversion candidates to the character control unit 110f. At this time, the conversion candidates are, for example, "dioxide," "nisanka," "join," "nisanka," "nisanka," "carbon dioxide," "manganese dioxide," "nitrogen dioxide," "titanium dioxide," etc.

[0090] The character control unit 110f compares the controlled vocabulary searched from the controlled vocabulary database with the conversion candidates. At this time, the controlled vocabulary is the character strings "carbon dioxide," "nitrogen dioxide," and "dioxide." Because the usage mode at this point is the learning mode, the character control unit 110f increases the priority of the controlled vocabulary and raises its display order on the user terminal 30. As a result, the character control unit 110f outputs the character strings "dioxide," "carbon dioxide," "two or three ka," "join," "nitrogen dioxide," "nisanka," "nisanka," and the like to the communication unit 140 as conversion candidates.

[0091] The communication unit 140 of the server device 10 transmits the conversion candidates (such as "dioxide," "carbon dioxide," "two or three ka," "join," "nitrogen dioxide," "nisanka," and "nisanka") to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 receives the conversion candidates at the communication unit 340.

[0092] The control unit 310 of the user terminal 30 displays the received conversion candidates on the display 320a. The displayed conversion candidates include predictive conversion candidates. In other words, even if the character string to be input is a controlled vocabulary and is extracted as a predictive conversion candidate, the user can select that predictive conversion candidate.

[0093] <3. Example of operation> The following describes the operations of the server device 10 and the user terminal 30 when a user uses digital learning materials. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of creating a controlled vocabulary. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the process flow in which the server device 10 generates and outputs conversion candidates. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the process flow in the test mode of the user terminal in this example. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the process flow in the study mode of the user terminal in this example.

[0094] First, the flow of creating a controlled vocabulary will be described with reference to Fig. 6. This process may be executed in advance if the textbooks, test questions, and answers to the test questions (hereinafter collectively referred to as text data) prepared by the creators of the questions and assignments are stored in the server device 10, or may be executed when the tests and assignments are distributed to the user terminals 30 (in real time).

[0095] The control information analysis unit 110c of the server device 10 acquires text data (questions and assignments of the digital teaching material) (S101).

[0096] The control information analysis unit 110c performs a morphological analysis on the acquired text data (S102).

[0097] The control information analysis unit 110c outputs the result of the morphological analysis to the control vocabulary storage unit 110d. The control vocabulary storage unit 110d extracts vocabulary related to test questions and assignments from the result of the morphological analysis (vocabulary extracted from the text data) as controlled vocabulary, and stores the controlled vocabulary in the control vocabulary database 120 (S103). At this time, a flag based on a category or the like may be set for the controlled vocabulary. This makes it possible to easily search for controlled vocabulary that should be suppressed from being displayed as predictive conversion candidates.

[0098] Next, a process flow in which the server device 10 generates and outputs conversion candidates will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The character string acquisition unit 110b acquires an input character string from the user terminal 30 (S111).

[0099] The determination unit 110a checks the usage mode (S112). More specifically, the determination unit 110a checks whether the current usage mode is a test mode in which the user is taking a test, or a learning mode in which the user is learning.

[0100] The candidate extraction unit 110e searches the dictionary database 130 using the input character string as a key, and extracts conversion candidates (normal conversion candidates and predictive conversion candidates). The candidate extraction unit 110e outputs the conversion candidates to the character control unit 110f (S113).

[0101] The character control unit 110f searches the controlled vocabulary database 120 to acquire the controlled vocabulary (S114).

[0102] The character control unit 110f compares the control vocabulary with the predictive conversion candidates (S115).

[0103] If the usage mode is the test mode (S116: Yes), the character control unit 110f excludes controlled vocabulary from the predictive conversion candidates (S117).

[0104] If the usage mode is the learning mode (S116: No), the character control unit 110f rearranges the control vocabulary included in the conversion candidates by increasing the priority of their display (S118).

[0105] When the usage mode is the test mode, the character control unit 110f transmits predictive conversion candidates from which controlled vocabulary has been excluded and normal conversion candidates as conversion candidates to the user terminal 30. Furthermore, when the usage mode is the learning mode, the character control unit 110f transmits conversion candidates with a higher priority in displaying controlled vocabulary to the user terminal 30 (S119).

[0106] Note that step S112 may be performed collectively in step S115.

[0107] Next, a process flow when a test is conducted at the user terminal 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The user terminal 30 receives test questions from the server device 10 (S131).

[0108] The display 320 of the user terminal 30 displays the test questions (S132).

[0109] The user operates the operation unit 330 of the user terminal 30 to input the reading of the vocabulary that he / she thinks is the answer to the test question, character by character, into the answer field (input units 321, 322) of the test question (S133).

[0110] When the user inputs one character, the user terminal 30 transmits the input character string currently being input to the server device 10 (S134). For example, when the user first inputs "ni" in the answer field, the user terminal 30 transmits the input character string "ni" to the server device 10. Also, when the user inputs "sa" after "ni" in the answer field, the user terminal 30 transmits the input character string "nisa" to the server device 10.

[0111] The user terminal 30 receives the conversion candidates that are the result of the server device 10 executing the process shown in Fig. 7 (steps S111 to S119) (S135). The user terminal 30 displays the received conversion candidates on the display 320 (S136).

[0112] When the user confirms that the answer does not exist among the conversion candidates displayed on the display 320, the user inputs additional characters into the answer field. Also, when the user confirms that the answer exists among the conversion candidates displayed on the display 320, the user selects the desired conversion candidate (vocabulary that the user believes to be the answer to the test question) by using an input device such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch operation.

[0113] When additional characters are input into the answer field (S137), the user terminal 30 returns to S134 and repeats the above process. Also, when a displayed conversion candidate is selected (S138), the user terminal 30 displays the selected conversion candidate in the answer field (converts the input character string into the selected conversion candidate) (S139), and returns to S131.

[0114] In this way, in this example, even if vocabulary related to the answers to the test questions is extracted as a predictive conversion candidate, that vocabulary is not presented to the user. Therefore, a test can be conducted that can properly check the user's level of understanding.

[0115] Furthermore, when the answer transmission key is operated, the user terminal 30 transmits the answers to the test questions to the server device 10. The user terminal may be configured to accept the transmission of answers for each answer column, or may be configured to transmit the answers for each answer column of the test questions all at once.

[0116] The server device 10 uses a scoring unit 110g to score whether the answer transmitted from the user terminal 30 is correct or incorrect. The server device 10 also transmits the scoring result to the user terminal 30.

[0117] Therefore, tests to check the user's level of understanding can be graded without requiring manpower.

[0118] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a process flow for having a user learn at the user terminal 30 will be described.

[0119] The user terminal 30 receives the assignment for the report from the server device 10 (S151).

[0120] The display 320 of the user terminal 30 displays the assignment (S152). The user operates the operation unit 330 of the user terminal 30 to input the reading of the vocabulary that the user wants to input, character by character, into the input unit 323 (S153).

[0121] When the user inputs one character, the user terminal 30 transmits the input character string currently being input to the server device 10 (S134). For example, when the user wants to input a word "carbon dioxide," the user first inputs "ni" into the input unit 323. The user terminal 30 transmits the input character string "ni" to the server device 10. Furthermore, when the user inputs "sa" after "ni" into the input unit 323, the user terminal 30 transmits the input character string "nisa" to the server device 10.

[0122] The user terminal 30 receives the conversion candidates that are the result of the server device 10 executing the process shown in Fig. 7 (steps S111 to S119) (S155). The user terminal 30 displays the conversion candidates on the display 320 (S156). Since the server device 10 increases the priority of the display order of controlled vocabulary, the controlled vocabulary included in the conversion candidates is displayed relatively high on the user terminal 30.

[0123] When the user confirms that the vocabulary they want to input is not included in the conversion candidates displayed on the display 320, they input additional characters into the input unit 323. Furthermore, when the user confirms that the vocabulary they want to input is included in the conversion candidates displayed on the display 320, they select the desired vocabulary by using an input device such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch operation.

[0124] When additional characters are input to the input unit 323 (S157), the user terminal 30 returns to S154 and repeats the above process. Also, when a displayed conversion candidate is selected (S158), the user terminal 30 displays the selected conversion candidate on the input unit 323 (converts the input character string to the selected conversion candidate) (S159), and returns to S151.

[0125] In this way, when a user is given an assignment such as writing a report to study, the controlled vocabulary is presented to the user as predictive conversion candidates, which eliminates the need for users to input characters, and does not reduce the efficiency of study or report writing.

[0126] <4. Modifications> Variation 1 The controlled vocabulary storage unit 110d of the server device 10 shown in the example above may be configured to weight and determine the display order of the controlled vocabulary using the subject, language (Japanese, English, Chinese, etc.), and statistical correct answer rate of the corresponding question when registering the controlled vocabulary in the controlled vocabulary database 120. The subject, language (Japanese, English, Chinese, etc.), and statistical correct answer rate of the corresponding question correspond to the "type" of the present invention.

[0127] With this configuration, the display order of predictive conversion candidates when a user is studying can be determined according to the actual study environment.

[0128] Variation 2 In the above example, the user terminal 30 transmits the currently input character string to the server device 10 each time a character is input by the user, but the configuration may also be such that the currently input character string is transmitted to the server device 10 when the user operates the conversion key, for example.

[0129] Variation 3 The character input device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned type of language (Japanese) in which the user inputs the phonetic notation (reading (kana), pinyin) of the word to be input as a character string, but can also be applied to a language in which the user inputs the spelling of the word to be input as a character string. Here, an explanation will be given taking English as an example in which the user inputs the spelling of the word to be input as a character string.

[0130] In this modification 3, as in the above example, the server device 10 and the user terminal 30 are connected via the network 20 as shown in Fig. 1. The server device 10 in this modification 3 has the configuration shown in Fig. 2, and the user terminal 30 has the configuration shown in Fig. 3.

[0131] In this third modification, it is assumed that the controlled vocabulary database 120 stores "carbon," "dioxide," and the like as controlled vocabulary.

[0132] For example, suppose the character string input by the user (input character string) is "carb." When the server device 10 is in the test mode, it does not include the controlled vocabulary word "carbon" in the conversion candidates to be sent to the user terminal 30, and sends "carb," "carbs," "carburetor," and the like as conversion candidates. When the server device 10 is in the learning mode, it includes the controlled vocabulary word "carbon" in the conversion candidates to be sent to the user terminal 30, and sends "carbon," "carb," "carbs," "carburetor," and the like as conversion candidates. At this time, the server device 10 gives a higher priority to the controlled vocabulary word "carbon," and "carbon" is displayed at the top of the conversion candidates on the user terminal 30.

[0133] Similarly, suppose the character string input by the user (input character string) is "dio." When in test mode, the server device 10 does not include "dioxide," which is a controlled vocabulary, in the conversion candidates to be sent to the user terminal 30, and sends "diode," "diocese," and the like as conversion candidates. When in test mode, the server device 10 also includes "dioxide," which is a controlled vocabulary, in the conversion candidates to be sent to the user terminal 30, and sends "dioxide," "diode," "diocese," and the like as conversion candidates. At this time, the server device 10 gives a higher priority to "dioxide," which is a controlled vocabulary, and "dioxide" is displayed at the top of the conversion candidates on the user terminal 30.

[0134] The server device 10 of this modified example 3 also executes the processes shown in Figures 6 and 7, similar to the above example. The user terminal 30 of this modified example 3 also executes the processes shown in Figures 8 and 9, similar to the above example.

[0135] In this modification example 3, when "carbon" is stored as a controlled vocabulary word in the controlled vocabulary database 120, the conjugated form of this "carbon" (for example, "carbonate") may also be stored as a controlled vocabulary word in the controlled vocabulary database 120.

[0136] In this way, even if the language type of the user inputs characters is English, the character input device of the present invention can conduct a test that can properly check the user's level of understanding without reducing the efficiency of learning and report writing, just as in the example of Japanese described above.

[0137] Furthermore, in the above example, the server device 10 and the user terminal 30 are separate devices connected via the network 20, but they may also be configured as a single independent device having the respective components of the server device 10 and the user terminal 30.

[0138] It should be noted that this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and that the components can be modified and embodied in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. In particular, the operational processing procedures in each device are not limited to the order described above, and the order may be changed as necessary. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be excluded from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0139] Furthermore, the correspondence between the configuration according to the present invention and the configuration according to the above-described embodiment can be described as follows: <Additional Notes> an extraction unit (110e) that extracts candidates corresponding to an input character string, including predicted candidates predicted based on the input character string; an output control unit (110f) that outputs the candidates extracted by the extraction unit in an order according to priority; a control vocabulary storage unit (110d) for storing control vocabulary to be learned using the teaching material; a determination unit (110a) that determines whether the usage mode is a first mode or a second mode, The output control unit (110f) When the usage mode is the first mode, excluding the controlled vocabulary extracted as the predicted candidate from the candidates to be output; When the usage mode is the second mode, in the candidates to be output, the priority of the controlled vocabulary extracted as the predicted candidate by the extraction unit is increased. Character input device (10). [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 10...Server device 20…Network 30...User terminal 110...Control unit 110a...judgment section 110b…Character string acquisition part 110c...Control information analysis unit 110d...Control vocabulary memory section 110e...Candidate extraction section 110f…Character control section 110g...Scoring section 120...Controlled Vocabulary Database 130...Dictionary database 140…Communications Department 310...Control unit 320, 320a, 320b…Display unit 321, 322, 323...input section 330...Operation unit 340…Communications Department

Claims

1. an extraction unit that extracts candidates corresponding to an input character string, including predicted candidates predicted based on the input character string; an output control unit that outputs the candidates extracted by the extraction unit in an order according to priority; a controlled vocabulary storage unit that stores vocabulary that a user learns from the learning material as controlled vocabulary; a determination unit that determines whether the usage mode is a first mode that allows the user to answer test questions or a second mode that allows the user to study; The output control unit When the usage mode is the first mode, excluding the controlled vocabulary extracted as the predicted candidate from the candidates to be output; When the usage mode is the second mode, the priority of the controlled vocabulary extracted as the predicted candidate by the extraction unit is increased among the candidates to be output; further calculating a weight according to the type of the controlled vocabulary, and determining a priority of the controlled vocabulary extracted by the extraction unit as the predicted candidate by taking the weight into consideration; Character input device.

2. The character input device according to claim 1 , further comprising a communication unit that receives the input character string and transmits the predicted candidates.

3. 3. The character input device according to claim 1, further comprising a marking unit that marks an input answer when the usage mode is the first mode.

4. 4. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein the input character string is a kana character string according to phonetic notation.

5. an information processing device that stores vocabulary that a user learns from learning materials as controlled vocabulary in a controlled vocabulary storage unit, an extraction step of extracting candidates corresponding to an input character string, including predicted candidates predicted based on the input character string; an output control step of outputting the candidates extracted in the extraction step in an order according to priority; a determination step of determining whether the usage mode is a first mode in which the user answers test questions or a second mode in which the user studies; The output control step includes: When the usage mode is the first mode, excluding the controlled vocabulary extracted as the predicted candidate from the candidates to be output; When the usage mode is the second mode, in the candidates to be output, a priority of the controlled vocabulary extracted as the predicted candidate in the extraction step is increased; further calculating a weight according to the type of the controlled vocabulary, and determining a priority of the controlled vocabulary extracted as the predicted candidate in the extraction step by taking the weight into consideration; The steps are: Character input method.

6. an information processing device in which vocabulary to be learned by a user through teaching materials is stored as controlled vocabulary in a controlled vocabulary storage unit; an extraction step of extracting candidates corresponding to an input character string, including predicted candidates predicted based on the input character string; an output control step of outputting the candidates extracted in the extraction step in an order according to priority; a determining step of determining whether the usage mode is a first mode in which the user answers test questions or a second mode in which the user studies; The output control step includes: When the usage mode is the first mode, excluding the controlled vocabulary extracted as the predicted candidate from the candidates to be output; When the usage mode is the second mode, in the candidates to be output, a priority of the controlled vocabulary extracted as the predicted candidate in the extraction step is increased; further calculating a weight according to the type of the controlled vocabulary, and determining a priority of the controlled vocabulary extracted as the predicted candidate in the extraction step by taking the weight into consideration; The steps are: Text input program.

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